.308/7.62 NATO Differences?

[Ronbo1]

I hope this is the correct forum for this question. I have been told that the .308 Win and the 7.62 NATO are slightly different and they may not be interchangable cartridges with some .308 hunting rifles. Is there an expert out there that can clarify this for me? 

[Lloyd Smale]

only real differnce i know of is the nato rounds are loaded to slightly lower pressure then commercial ammo and if your reloading keep in mind that the brass is thicker so aproach top end loads slowly with military brass.

[Ronbo1]

Thanks Lloyd. I have been looking at some Saiga rifles in 7.62x39 and .308 calibers. The 7.62x39 cheaper to shoot, but the .308 is a more versatile round. 

[Lloyd Smale]

you do realize that 762x39 is not 762 nato

[Ronbo1]

Yes thanks. I was just thinking about .308/NATO interchangability for obtaining cheap practice ammo if thats that caliber I wind up buying. Still looking hard at the 7.62x39 though. Cheaper to shoot and would serve as a back-up to my .280 during deer season.   

[mannyrock]

  Just some follow up info, the pressure difference between the 7.62 Nato and the .308 Winchester isn't just a slight difference.  It is very substantial.

   Approximately 52,000 psi for the Nato shell, compared to 66,000 psi for the .308 Winchester?

Mannyrock